The mission of the research group is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive mobility and logistics system.
We use impact analysis, transition tools, qualitative methods and mathematical models to test the sustainability of new concepts or future systems and to analyse systemic changes over time. Participatory planning approaches and the involvement of stakeholders are crucial to get everyone involved in the transition. Research into behavioural change goes hand in hand with research into systemic change.
To accelerate the sustainable transition of cities we develop methods and tools:
- to support the inclusion of stakeholders and especially citizens in transport planning through participatory planning and impact assessment tools such as the multi-actor multi-criteria analysis
- to prepare for future uncertainties in transport through participatory foresight;
- to measure and incentivize behavioural change through travel behaviour analysis and the impact assessment of mobility management policies and measures;
- to promote new ways of transport operations and management through research into route optimisation for demand responsive transit;
- to support the design of an equitable, accessible and inclusive transport system through the development of policy support and evaluation tools.
- to calculate and monetize the sustainability impact of transport through an External Cost Calculator.
- to simulate the freight transport system and its agent behaviour via transport models SYMBIT and TRABAM.
- Integrate, advise, and mobilise the different actors within the mobility and logistics ecosystems in research and assessments.
The research group has a strong expertise in urban mobility. The team analyses the behaviour of transport users and the barriers to adoption of sustainable transport modes. It assesses how new mobility measures (e.g. road pricing), technologies (e.g. information and communication technologies) and innovative business models (e.g. shared mobility, mobility as a service) impact the society, the industry, urban planning, social equity and public transport.
Mobilise also has extensive expertise in sustainable logistics, researching pathways to reduce externalities by avoiding transport operations (e.g. consolidation centres), creating awareness amongst stakeholders (e.g. external cost calculations), anticipating new technologies (e.g. electric road systems) and shift demand to more sustainable modes (e.g. cargobikes and intermodal transport). We have a focus on e-commerce, circular logistics, short supply chains, consolidation centres, last mile logistics, and inter- and synchro-modal transport).
We engage in large-scale research projects together with other national and international research groups, both within our own community and through innovative transdisciplinary research.
Based on the results of our research, our group strives to have an impact on society by sharing our knowledge. As members of the academic community, we achieve that by publishing our work in the best scientific journals. But we want to go beyond academic publishing and be active on other channels such as media and social media. By doing so, we want to reach a larger audience so we can mobilise people as well. Therefore, we rely on a large network among practitioners, policy makers and citizen associations, which allows us to valorise our academic output through innovations and contributions to policy making.
Ou research findings are reflected in our educational activities at the University (Bachelor and Master courses) as well as through professional education and training offered to practitioners, policy makers and industry experts.